Good news! The three major issues with reopening Jack Brook Horse Camp and Pescadero Creek County Park have been addressed. The Horse Camp will open on June 15th and will offer site #1 for reservations with a 40- person maximum. Groups will be able to spread out through the additional campsites to maintain social distancing. In Pescadero Creek Park, the north half of the trails will also be open June 15th.
1. Trail Clearing: On May 21, the San Jose Conservation Corps finished up a week of working in Pescadero Creek County Park and the Horse Camp area. After 5 days of work with a crew of 6 and a supervisor, they cleared 25 miles of trails, cut 36 fallen trees, and trimmed overhanging branches. They did an amazing job, and our thanks go to Ranger David Vasquez and his team for their support and to Scott Lombardi who worked the contract through the County system. We also want to thank Mike Bushue and Stu Smith for their research documenting the trails issues and to offer extra thanks to Mike Bushue, who organized the trail-clearing plan and guided the crew for all 5 days.
The cost for the crew was $11,740 which included compensation, transportation, tools and equipment. Also included was the cost of their health insurance, liability insurance and workers compensation insurance. The Mounted Patrol Foundation matched the first $6,500 donated to this project and all excess funds donated are being held in the Foundation’s Trails fund for future projects. We want to thank the following horse groups and individuals that so generously donated to this project and helped make this a success.
Monterey Bay Equestrians
CHAPS
Los Viajeros
Bay Area Ridge Riders
Thirteen individual donors
2. COVID restrictions: At this time, the maximum capacity at the Horse Camp is limited to 40 persons. There may also be some cleaning protocols and mask-wearing requirements. Governor Newsom has announced full reopening of public venues by June 15 so we are hopeful declining case rates will continue and we can enjoy the Horse Camp with few restrictions. The County will allow those groups who had previously scheduled the Horse Camp to rebook for the same days.
3. Fire damage: The Old Haul Road in Pescadero Creek County Park is undergoing major remediation and renovation. If you recall, this was the final stand in last summer’s CZU Lightning Strike fire, and, thanks to the Park Rangers, Cal Fire and equipment contractors, the fire was stopped here. However, there was a lot of bulldozing and tree cutting to build the needed fire break, and it will be months before we can access that area. So the Old Haul Road, Butano Ridge and Pescadero Creek area will be OFF LIMITS for the foreseeable future. However, the north side of the park including the Brook Loop, Canyon, Tarwater and several other trails we love will be open. |
